William E. “Bill” Darden, Jr., 94 of Palatka, passed away unexpectedly Friday, October 21, 2016 at home from natural causes. Born in St. Augustine, he lived in Elkton for 10 years before moving to Palatka in 1932. He was educated in the Putnam County School System and graduated from Putnam High School in 1939. Bill began attending the University of Florida in 1941 and in August of 1942 entered the U.S. Army Air Corps where he received his cadet training and graduated in November 1943. Bill served as Instructor Pilot in the Training Command. Following World War II and after a short time out of service, he was recalled in 1951 and served a tour in Japan in B-29 aircraft. He returned to Strategic Air Command (SAC) and flew B-29, B-47 and B-52 aircraft for the rest of active duty. After 15 years in the B-52 and several staff assignments, he finished with a 3 year tour as Chief of Operations for the 2nd Air Force Inspector General. At his retirement on 1 May 1971, Bill held the rating of Command Pilot and rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Following his retirement from the U.S. Air Force, Bill returned to Putnam County and began serving as Chief Deputy Clerk and Administrative Assistant to the Clerk of the Circuit Court for Putnam County. He retired on 1 March 1990 after 15 years of service.
In 1971, Bill joined the Kiwanis Club of the Azalea City and served as President in 1975-76. He also served as Lieutenant Governor of Division 18 of the Florida District, Kiwanis International in 1977-78. In addition, he served as the Kiwanis International Accredited Representative (KIAR) for Division 18 in 1988-89. After building 3 new clubs in Division 18, he was named the Outstanding KIAR for the Florida District in 1988-89. He was the Historian for the Azalea City Club and was still serving on the Membership Committee at his passing. Bill was also a charter member of the Putnam High School Key Club (Kiwanis at the high school level).
A lifelong member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Palatka, he served as a vestry member and was elected to serve again in 1997. Bill was also a member of the Retired Military Officers Association (MOOA), American Legion Post #45, VFW Post #3349 and Elks Lodge
As with anything Bill Darden became involved with, he was likewise thoroughly dedicated to the Masonic Order. He began his service to the Masonic Order in 1962 and throughout his 54 years as a Mason was involved with practically every branch of the Masonic Order. Bill was a 32nd Degree Mason, member and Past Worshipful Master of Palatka Lodge #34 F&AM; in 1979, member of the National Sojourners, the High Twelve, Patron of Palatka Chapter #33, Order of Eastern Star in 1983, District Deputy Grand Master of 11th Masonic District in 1984, President of Northeast Florida Chapter #435, President of National Sojourners in 1985, Commander of Andrew Jackson Camp, Heroes of ’76 in 1986, President of Interlachen High Twelve Club #607 in 1987, served as Venerable Master of the Lodge of Perfection of Scottish Rite in 1996, joined the York Rite College in 1990. He was also involved with numerous other committees such as the Advisory Council for DeMolay (5 yrs), Advisory Board for Rainbow for Girls (12 yrs), Grand Masters Special Project (Gait Analysis), Masonic Home Committee for District 17, Order of Eastern Star (2 yrs), Wills and Gifts Committee, Americanism Committee and Wardrobe Committee in Scottish Rite, treasurer of Palatka Masonic Lodge #34, treasurer of Palatka York Rite Bodies, Sovereign of St. Honore Conclave Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Florida, Commander of Jacksonville KCCH Conclave in 2000 and member of the Tall Cedars of Lebanon.

Some of the honors he received were as Appointed Ambassador, Morocco Temple, AAONMS; Grand Cross of Color, Rainbow for Girls, Knights York Cross of Honor, 1988; Order of Purple Cross, 1995 in York Rite College; Knight Commander Court of Honor, 1993 in Scottish Rite, in 2003 he was honored with his 33rd Degree in the Scottish Rite Body and in 2011 served as Deputy Grand Governor.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 72 years, Gini Long Darden, his parents, William E. Darden, Sr. and Toni Mueller Darden, a son, William E. Darden, III, and a brother, Jack Darden.
Bill is survived by his daughter, Beth Zeringue and husband Reggie of Metairie, LA, 5 grandchildren, Angelle Palmere and Fiance Marcus Carlucci, William E. Darden, IV, John Darden, Karl Darden and Kristen Darden, numerous great-grandchildren, his beloved Sister-in-law, Doris Darden of East Palatka and numerous nieces and nephews.
Services honoring and celebrating Bill’s life will be at 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, October 26, 2016 at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Palatka with Father Bob Marsh officiating. Burial with full military honors by the U.S. Air Force as well as Masonic Rites will follow at Palatka Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 5-7 P.M. at Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be sent in Bill’s memory to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church building fund, P.O. Box 370, Palatka, FL 32178 or to a charity of choice.
Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at Bill’s Book of Memories page at www.JohnsonOverturffunerals.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka.